Malaga Champions League

The modern day game of football does not present many happy tales. However, in the case of Malaga one side is attempting to buck the trend this season and present all observers with a positive outlook on the game.

Before even a ball was kicked this season the outlook seemed rather bleak for a side that would be competing in Europe’s elite competition. After a summer of financial turmoil that witnessed the departures of several key players the coming season did not present one of promise. However, with a couple of new additions to the rather beleaguered and wafer thin squad the club have confronted their adversity and succeeded thus far.

Having qualified through their initial Champions League group they were drawn against Porto where a two nil home win at La Rosaleda saw them successfully through to the quarter finals. They have now been drawn against Borussia Dortmund and will now face one of the outside contenders for a place in the semi finals.

Whilst Dortmund have struggled a little for consistency domestically this season their European campaign has been somewhat of a revelation so far. When the initial draw for the group phase was made, it seemed unlikely they would qualify after being paired with Ajax, Manchester City and Real Madrid but they surpassed all expectations and won the group. It was not that they were not regarded as a force but it was assumed that their inexperience in Europe could cost them.

However, with the talented young players they have at their disposal they have turned themselves into serious contenders for the Champions League crown and will prove to be a serious threat for Malaga. Boasting a squad consisting of Mario Gotze, Robert Lewandowski and Marco Reus, to name but a few, they have some seriously talented players. The Spanish side will have to be extremely well organised in order to maintain a level of control over the opposition attack, whilst still managing to pose a threat themselves.

One of the key players in the tie will be Isco who Malaga will have to ensure is fit and available for both ties. It was he who scored the opener against Porto in the previous tie and his movement and technical ability will be pivotal in opening up the German side.

There are very few weakness in Dortmund’s side at present and some individual brilliance could go along way to deciding the tie. As they showed in the last round against Shakhtar, their form at the Westfalenstadion is imperious so they will need to ensure they win in Spain.

Considering some of the views before the season began it is remarkable just to be thinking about Malaga competing in the last eight of the Champions League. Now though, having got there, they will face possibly their toughest opponents thus far which will severely test them.

So far this season they have defied the odds and proved the critics wrong and why start backing against them now?

Written by Andy Hunter

Follow Andy on Twitter @hunter67980

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When I was approached about writing a piece on the quite extraordinary tale of Malaga’s season thus far I had no qualms at all. It is an immensely pleasing story and one which many other clubs could learn a great deal from.

Before this season began the club was in turmoil. Their owner and benefactor Sheikh Abdullah Al Thani had basically washed his hands off them. They owed significant sums of money to the Spanish tax men, could not pay their staff or players and had been forced to sell Santi Cazorla, arguably their best player, to Arsenal for a pittance just to raise some money. Many observers and fans expected the worst but in a modern football world littered with tragedy the upturn in the club’s fortunes thus far have been nothing short of miraculous.

Despite suffering defeats in their last two games the club currently lie fifth in the Primera Division and look odds on to qualify for the next round of the Champions League. The side, coached by Manuel Pellegrini, have united as one and have produced a string of good results to set them up for an intriguing 2013. The departure of Cazorla, Mathijsen and Rondon to name but a few was expected to signal the beginning of the end for Malaga but how wrong everyone was.

The club has not spent a Euro in the transfer market but has managed to conduct some effective business. In particular the signing of Javier Saviola from Benfica on a free transfer has proved to be a very astute piece of work. The former Barcelona player never quite lived up to his billing in Spain first time around but eased into his Malaga career with goals in his opening few games.

However, possibly the two biggest influences thus far have been the return to prominence of Joaquin and the emergence of the young Isco. The former had played for Valencia for many years and been capped by Spain but his consistency often detracted from his obvious potential. The current environment he has found himself in at Malaga has clearly awoken something burning inside that has really come to the fore in recent months.

What has taken everyone a little by surprise though is the form of their current superstar in the making, Isco. The 20 year old has been in scintillating form this season and is already earning rave reviews in Spain and further afield. He is clearly a special player; fantastic technique, great movement and dazzling skill. The way in which he dribbles past opposing players is something very special and he has lit up La Rosaleda with his virtuoso performances.

Isco…. a special player.

It appears that the uncertainty surrounding the club’s future has galvanised and harnessed the team to produce something special this season. Although it is only mid November and there are many, many games to play until May the hope and spirit they have displayed is something to marvel.

So often during recent times clubs who have fallen into financial troubles have wilted and folded but Malaga appear to be bucking this trend. The game is unfortunately riddled with clubs suffering from financial misadventure but Les Boquerones are proving once and for all that a club all pulling as one in the same direction can make a huge difference.

Malaga have been a huge positive this season and should be congratulated for what they have achieved.

Written by Andy Hunter

Follow him on Twitter @hunter67980

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